Zevart Maybalian

Zevart Nanorian Maybalian was born on January 25, 1934. She was the third child of Armenian Genocide survivors Dikran Nanorian and Victoria Dourlisanian Nanorian, both from Dikranagerd. She had two sisters, Janet and baby Zevart, and her brother Varouj. She was named after her sister, baby Zevart, who died at a very young age.

She grew up in Aleppo, Syria and attended the Sahagian Armenian school. In 1954, she married Makarditch Maybalian, the son of Dikran and Faima Maybalian, Armenian Genocide survivors from Dikranagerd.

In the late 1950s, the family moved to Beirut, Lebanon. They were blessed with three daughters, Sona, Ani and Arpi. In 1976, due to the civil war in Lebanon, Makarditch and Zevart moved their family to New Jersey. She was blessed with three son-in-laws, Antranig Melkonian, Harout Chatmajian and Berj Abajian, and three grandchildren, Asdghik Melkonian, Arek Chatmajian and Shant Abajian.

Zevart was a model wife, mother and grandmother, devoted to her family. She encouraged her daughters to follow their dreams and she helped raise her grandchildren. She was an expert embroiderer who worked in that industry for over 20 years. She was very active in her church and community. She was a long time member of the Armenian Relief Society. She was a devout Christian attending church services every Sunday, even when her health started failing and she had trouble walking. She was an excellent cook; she cooked for her family, her church and her community. Everyone loved her kufte, dolma, sarma, rose jam, choereg, string cheese and Dikrangerd specialties like gavourma and shakarishi. She loved Armenian music and sang along with every opportunity. She loved to play cards with her daughters and grandchildren; it was a favorite pastime during the Covid lockdowns. She enjoyed watching sports like basketball and wrestling. She was loving, caring, generous, selfless, considerate, skilled, and proper – a classy lady.

She is survived by her three daughters Sona, Ani and Arpi, her son-in-laws Antranig, Harout and Berj, her grandchildren Asdghik, Arek and Shant, and her brother Varouj. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She will always be in their hearts and minds.